MINI HYDRO STATION AT LAL LAL RESERVOIR COMPLETED

Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard represented the Minister for Water, the Hon Lisa Neville today at the completion announcement of the mini hydro project.

The innovative mini hydro electric generator at Lal Lal Reservoir is jointly funded by the State Government, Central Highlands Water, and Barwon Water.

The overall investment of this project cost $850,000, with the State Government contributing $500k and Central Highland Water and Barwon Water both contributing $175K.

Construction of the mini hydro station commenced in May 2016 and was completed in December 2016. The project will generate clean energy from water releases at the reservoir. The renewable energy generated will power existing infrastructure at the reservoir and provide additional green energy for the grid.

It is anticipated that the hydro station will produce up to 526MW of electricity – enough to power approximately 80 homes. This will result in a saving of approximately 500 tonnes of carbon equivalent greenhouse gas emissions annually.

The renewable energy project is the latest investment for both the water authorities who are firmly committed to exploring and implementing green initiatives.

Quotes attributable to Geoff Howard MP, Member for Buninyong

“It’s fantastic to see this mini hydro station at Lal Lal completed to generate clean energy from environmental water releases at the reservoir into the Moorabool River.”

“This partnership between Central Highlands Water and Barwon Water delivers both economic and environmental benefits by using our natural resources in a cleaner and smarter way – which sets an example that can be replicated across the State.”

“Central Highlands Water is committed to developing and implementing energy and financial savings across our network of asset operations. We anticipate, the mini hydro station will cut CO2 emissions by approximately 500 tonnes per year.”

“This project is a perfect example of applying technology, innovation and partnerships to tackle climate change. The mini hydro is one of a number of initiatives in which Barwon Water is investing to help achieve its target of 100 per cent renewable energy use by 2025.”